SUMMER LEARNIN’ HAD ME A BLAST - Gene Slay's Girls ......2017/10/27 · Gene Slay’s of St. Louis Club SUMMER LEARNIN’ Successful 25th Annual Golf Classic WBE/DBE certified Project

The Gene Slay’s Girls & Boys Club’s Summer Program provides invaluable support to youth and families during the summer months. GSGBC’s program offers a well-rounded curriculum that allows students to acquire and strengthen reading, writing, math, art, and science skills to reduce “summer learning loss.” GSGBC’s Summer Program also features swimming lessons for every kid, basketball workshops, and opportunities to play a variety of other sports.

Seventy-five percent of the 660 kids we serve annually come from single parent households in neighborhoods with high rates of crime, violence, dropouts, and food insecurity. Food insecurity has been shown to lead to many negative consequences such as academic success, attention, and behavioral problems, low test scores, absenteeism, and lack of focus.

During the summer, our kids receive breakfast and lunch at the Club. Research demonstrates that children who live in single parent households are more likely to be food insecure. This is an ongoing concern and one of the reasons we participate in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program.

This summer, GSGBC served more than 300 youth, including more than 100 girls!

• 81% of members improved/sustained their skills in reading • 83% of members improved/sustained their

skills in math • 92% of youth increased their fundamental

skills and knowledge of basketball • 86% of youth improved their ability

to swim

The Club continues, as it has since 1929, to provide a safe and structured environment that empowers kids to reach their potential.

HAD ME A BLAST

Fall 2017

THE CORNERTHE NEWSLETTER FOR GENE SLAY’S GIRLS & BOYS CLUB

A Place To Go...A Way To Grow.

Thanks again to our sponsors, golfers, and volunteers for making this year’s 25th Annual Golf Classic such a tremendous success! More on page 2.

w ww. GSGBCSTL.org

Gene Slay’s

of St. Louis Club

SUMMER LEARNIN’

Successful 25th Annual Golf Classic

WBE/DBE certified

Project construction value of $1B+

87% of our 2016 work came from repeat business

180+ clients and 600+ projects

5 offices across the U.S.

ADDITIONAL FACTSFaith Group is dedicated to providing business focused planning & design with the level of specialized expertise your facility should demand.

Contact: Susan BowenBusiness Development Manager

Faith Group, LLC3101 S Hanley Rd, St. Louis, MO 63143

Phone: [email protected]

www.faithgroupllc.com

The Gene Slay’s Girls & Boys Club of St. Louis hosted its Silver Anniversary 25th Annual Golf Classic on May 30th. Over 300 supporters came out to Norwood Hills Country Club and raised more than $550,000 to celebrate 25 years of supporting the mission of GSGBC and to empower its members to reach their potential and break the cycle of poverty.

We would like to thank all of our sponsors:

25TH ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC

PAL

TOURNAMENT SPONSORS

PRESIDENT’S CLUB

GOLD

SILVER

x2

2 | www. GSGBCSTL.org

Gary and Laura Slay

Bernal Chomeau Charity

Foundation

Nassif Consulting

BRONZE

WBE/DBE certified










WBE/DBE certified










WBE/DBE certified










WBE/DBE certified










Hello Friends,The Gene Slay’s Girls & Boys Club plays an integral role in supporting families in South St. Louis. The Club makes a tremendous impact on the lives of our kids. By and large, the parents of our kids work extremely hard and juggle a number of commitments. The Club eases their burden by providing them with a safe and structured place for their child to grow.

With your support, our Club fosters the development of the whole child through academic, social, nutrition, and athletic programs. Every day after school, our kids participate in mandatory academic programs that prepare them with the skills they need to succeed in school, go to college, and thrive in the workforce.

Numerous GSGBC alumni, including the late Gene Slay, testify that they know the potential pitfalls they faced based on the neighborhoods where they grew up and that the Club kept them on the right path. An alumnus recently stopped by the Club just to tell us that he believes that, “This Club saved my life.”

Sincerely,

Prescott W. Benson, MAPC, MAExecutive Director

THE DIRECTORA LETTER FROM

In College & Career Readiness, GSGBC prepares teens for the experiences and obstacles that lie ahead of them as they advance through school and life. Each session focuses on relevant issues that are common to their surroundings as teens in school, as well as in society.

In college readiness, GSGBC introduces them to knowledge about college/universities, including the application and FAFSA processes. GSGBC helps them research different colleges/universities. The youth learn what tuition is, and the different ways they can pay for college. The youth are exposed to the different terminology pertaining to colleges and universities.

The teens discuss concerns and issues that they feel are affecting them in their everyday life. In college readiness, the discussions are based on serious subjects that they face regularly. For example drugs, gangs, negative attitudes, academics, sports, money management, etc. are often discussed in college readiness. College Readiness relates every subject back to school and society.

Young people from GSGBC are currently attending the following colleges and universities:

Harris Stowe State UniversityRanken Technical CollegeSoutheast Missouri State University St. Louis Community College University of Memphis University of Missouri - Columbia University of Missouri – St. Louis

BEYONDCOLLEGE &

SAVE THE DATE 2nd Annual Club Havana: January 27, 2018

This January, the Gene Slay’s Girls & Boys Club will host its Second Annual Club Havana party. Keep your eyes out for more details about this fun night of Cuban-inspired music, food, and cocktails!

For more information, visit www.gsgbcstl.org/2nd-annual-club-havana-january-27-2018/

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Mission/Vision The Gene Slay’s Girls & Boys Club Young Professional Leadership Association is a group of young men and women dedicated to the mission and continued future success of the Club. Our goals are to: (1) Increase awareness of GSGBC’s mission among young adults in the St. Louis metropolitan area; (2) Enhance the Club’s volunteer base; (3) Build future leadership for GSGBC; (4) Sustain the Club’s innovative and comprehensive programming for girls and boys by supplementing current fund-raising efforts through membership and exciting, fun fund-raising events. The cost of membership is $50 annually; leadership gifts are $100.

Achievements Founded in the summer of 2016, the Young Professionals Leadership Association has already hosted and participated in numerous events. To date, the YPLA has raised nearly $10,000! GSGBC is deeply appreciative of the work of the YPLA.

To get involved, email Jeremy Kane at [email protected].

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

Wiffle BallThe Young Professionals Leadership Association put together two teams for the Second Annual Civil Giving Wiffle Ball Tournament, with one team making it to the Finals before falling to champions, Arcturis!

Quarterly Basketball GamesYPLA members also took on GSGBC Summer Camp Counselors and Jr. Staff members at the end of this year’s summer camp, with a rematch to come this fall!

12 Bars of Charity - #WhiteTeamThe Gene Slay’s Girls & Boys Club has been chosen as the newest charity team for 12 Bars of Charity, the largest bar crawl in the region! Tickets are $30.

All attendees receive:• $10 donated DIRECTLY to the charity that they sign up under

• Official 12 Bars of Saint Louis “Team” shirt (color based on charity)

• Shuttle Pass that runs a route around the 12 Bars of Saint Louis

• Drink Specials at all participating bars

For more information, visit www.gsgbcstl.org/gsgbc-12-bars-of-charity-whiteteam-2017


EVENTS

ARCO Construction As the Gene Slay’s Girls & Boys Club has transformed our facility over the past few years to accommodate full girls programming, ARCO Construction

has been right there. Headquartered in St. Louis, MO, ARCO Construction Co., Inc. is a general contracting firm dedicated to providing clients with the complete design/build package. ARCO aims to make the construction process enjoyable and beneficial and to exceed expectations through successful planning, design & construction.

One of ARCO’s Prinicipals, Hank Bellina, sits on the Board of GSGBC. Hank also provides invaluable leadership on GSGBC’s Facilities Committee. Whether it’s climbing onto our roof for inspections or providing pro-bono support, Hank is passionate about ensuring that the Club is a safe and vibrant place.

ARCO is a Tournament Sponors of GSGBC’s Annual Golf Classic and a sponsor of GSGBC’s new event, Club Havana.

Thanks ARCO!

IN OUR CORNER

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Pool Locker RoomWith generous foundation support from Nestle Purina PetCare, the Incarnate Word Foundation, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, and the Zonta Club, GSGBC has completed its brand new Girls Pool Locker Room! In-kind support for this project was provided by Haberberger Mechanical Contractors and ARCO Construction!

Foundation Support from:

In-kind Support from:

Seanna McGoughSeanna McGough is a relative newcomer to the GSGBC family, joining the Board in 2015. Seanna is a passionate youth advocate, and has brought a tremendous amount of energy and excitement to all of GSGBC’s events! Seanna is the Senior Vice President, Learning & Development Leader at Wells Fargo, where she focuses on functional learning for the Wealth & Investment Management and Wholesale divisions. Seanna is currently lending her expertise and leadership to the creation of our new five-year Strategic Plan through the Strategic Planning Committee.

PILLARS OF SUPPORTThe Gene Slay’s Girls & Boys Club has transformed significantly over the past few years. This feature introduces you to some of our dedicated board and staff members who make all of the achievements of our kids possible.

John SondagJohn Sondag is the President of AT&T Missouri, where is responsible for all regulatory, legislative, governmental and external affairs activities in Missouri. John serves on a wide range of other Boards throughout the St. Louis community, including the United Way, St. Louis Civic Progress, and the Saint Louis Zoo. He has served on GSGBC’s Board of Directors since 2002, and is currently the Treasurer.

Col. Leonard L. Griggs, Jr. Col. Griggs has served on GSGBC’s Board of Directors since 2001. He served more than 23 years in the military, where he rose to the rank of colonel in the Air Force. Col. Griggs also served as the Director of Lambert Airport for more than 20 years.

Ed FinkelsteinEd Finkelstein, a Board member since 1995, is Publisher of the largest locally-circulating weekly labor paper in America, the St. Louis/Southern Illinois Labor Tribune, which he first joined as a summer intern at the age of 14 and continued through college gradually becoming a reporter and photographer. He served six years as an information officer with the U.S. Air Force’s Strategic Air Command at its first intercontinental ballistic missile base in Cheyenne, Wyoming and at a forward bomber base in England. In the mid-70’s he took over leadership of the Labor Tribune, an award-winning, nationally-respected outspoken voice for the Labor Movement in our community. His relationship with, and fighting for, work-ers and their families has made him extremely passionate about empowering young people to reach their potential. Ed mobilizes local labor unions’ extensive support of the Club. He is also the king of Golf Classic raffle sales!

Andrew P. BlassieAndy is an alumnus of the Club, joining as a member in 1964 at age 9. Andy’s brother Mark also attended with him, and his parents Joseph and Barbara were fixtures in the stands at all of Andy’s basketball and baseball games and Club activities. While at Wetterau Incorporated as a senior financial executive, Andy was asked to join the Board of Directors in 1990 and has provided instrumental leadership and direction to the Club ever since. Andy is now the Vice President of the Bank of O’Fallon. Andy became the President of the Board of Directors of GSBC in 2012.


Gary E. Slay Chairman of the Board

Andrew P. Blassie President

Jill Garlich Executive Vice President

Joseph T. Ambrose Vice President

John H. Purnell Vice President

Brian E. Ulione Vice President

William Schoenhard Secretary

John Sondag Treasurer

R. Hank Bellina Director

Ken Berresheim Director

Djuan Coleman Director

James W. Eason Director

Edward M. Finklestein Director

Anthony E. (Tony) Gordon Director

Col. Leonard L. Griggs, Jr. Director

Damon Harbison Director

Charles Karam Director

Judith King Director

Lt. Col. Lawrence O’Toole Director

Seanna McGough Director

John R. Peter, MD Director

Gary J. Prindiville, Sr. Director

Margaret J. Walsh Director

Honorary Lifetime Director:Honorable Paul J. Simon

Advisory Board:John Fabick, IVRaymond MungenastMax NallAnn Pace, CSJRick VoytasMichael Weisbrod

Executive Director:Prescott W. Benson, MAPC, MA

Director of Development:Robert Puricelli

Board of Directors

MEMORIALS/HONORARIAThe Gene Slay’s Girls & Boys Club would like to honor the memory of two great supporters: Paul Simon, Jr. and Pat McVey.

Paul Simon, Jr. was an attorney and a graduate of DeSmet and Saint Louis University Law School. Paul was a mentor to many and lived his life as an example to others. Paul was a tremendous friend to the Club and his legacy lives on.

Pat McVey, co-owner of Maggie O’Brien’s Restaurant and Irish Pub, was extremely passionate about empowering the youth at the Club. Every year, Pat organized the Maggie O’Brien Golf Classic, which brought the community together to raise money to support our program.

Both Pat and Paul are deeply missed.

Memorial and Honorarium gifts are a great way to honor the memory of loved ones and celebrate the special occasions in your lives while supporting the next generation.

Memorials:Helen AmbroseSharon L. BakerTheodore W. Baker, Sr.Joseph BlassieSharon BridgesSr. Betty BruckerJuanita KukayJohn F. McCartneyPat McVeyDave Mungenast, Sr.

Mal MurphyCharlie NashHazel RieberRobert Puricelli, Sr.Alex ScherzerPaul Simon, Jr.Gene SlayShirley SteinmeyerEldoras SturmaJean WestrichKen Wild

In Honor Of:Pat BlassieTerry CrouppenJim HuberJoan Slay’s BirthdayMichael SophirBob Westrich’s Birthday

Strategic Planning The Gene Slay’s Girls & Boys Club’s Board, staff, and stakeholders are currently working on creating the Club’s new five-year strategic plan. The new strategic plan will serve as a roadmap for the Club to continue its growth to address unmet needs in our community and strengthen internal capacity.

The new plan will be completed and adopted by our Board in 2018.

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When Korina joined GSGBC last spring, she had a hard time making friends. Korina was standoffish and cried on a number of occasions. Korina joined GSGBC through a pilot program to serve immigrant/refugee families at the Club.

Korina’s family immigrated to St. Louis just over two years ago from Mexico, and Korina was still struggling to express herself in English. As a result, Korina had a difficult time finding a sense of belonging. Like many youth who immigrate to St. Louis, Korina struggled to make meaningful connections with her US-born peers.

With a supportive hand from GSGBC’s staff, Korina’s comfort level increased. Over the course of a couple of weeks, Korina’s demeanor transformed completely! As she got comfortable with her surroundings, especially while working on crafts projects in the Girls Study Lounge, she began engaging with other children and building friendships. With her new friends, Korina’s comfort with English increased and she came out of her shell. Now she is happy and thriving at the Club in a safe environment after school.

2524 South Eleventh St.St. Louis, MO 63104314-772-5661www.gsgbcstl.org

The Newsletter for Gene Slay’s Girls & Boys Club | FALL 2017

An MO DHSS Licensed Child Care Center - After School Care

To empower girls and boys in the St. Louis metropolitan area, especially those who need us most, to realize their physical, intellectual, and emotional potential.

OUR MISSION

We welcome everyone to come and take a tour of our facility and receive a program update. See for yourself the outcomes we have been able to achieve, and the potential for making even greater impacts in the lives of our members.

Call Bob Puricelli at (314) 655-9008 to schedule one today.

Take A Tour!

MISSION MOMENT

Gene Slay’s

of St. Louis Club

8

Documents

SUMMER LEARNIN’ HAD ME A BLAST - Gene Slay's Girls ......2017/10/27 · Gene Slay’s of St. Louis Club SUMMER LEARNIN’ Successful 25th Annual Golf Classic WBE/DBE certified Project